The 2-3 Chargers take on the 1-4 Steelers and their third-string quarterback in a Sunday night game in Carson

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Charger quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass against Denver in Sunday in a 20-13 to the Broncos during an AFC West game at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Sunday, Oct 6, 2019. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Steelers (1-4) at Chargers (2-3)

When: 5:20 p.m. PT Sunday

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson

Line: Chargers by 7

TV/Radio: Channel 4; 640-AM, 980-AM (Spanish)

CHARGERS OFFENSE VS. STEELERS DEFENSE

The Steelers are young on defense, but have plenty of speed and it has led to 12 takeaways, tied for the most in the NFL heading into Week 6. Quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers’ offense didn’t score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos last week and had three turnovers, including two in the red zone. For the season, the Chargers have turned the ball over eight times. The Steelers’ talented front seven, which includes outside linebacker T.J. Watt, brother of Chargers fullback Derek Watt, will likely be blitzing often against a Chargers’ offensive line that will be without center Mike Pouncey, who last week sustained a season-ending neck injury. The Steelers’ defense is on the rise with a handful of former first-round picks, including strong safety Terrell Edmunds and linebacker Devin Bush. EDGE:Steelers

STEELERS OFFENSE VS. CHARGERS DEFENSE

The Chargers prepared for two quarterbacks, but they’ll face undrafted rookie Devlin Hodges, who replaced Mason Rudolph after taking a vicious hit against the Baltimore Ravens last week. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was impressed with the Samford product’s NFL debut. Hodges led the Steelers into the end zone on his first drive. The Chargers’ defense hasn’t produced the sacks and takeaways they had last season, but they’re limiting the yards. They’re 11th in yards allowed per game with 334.8. What hurts them is the bad stretches like the 14 points allowed in the first quarter against the Broncos. Expect star players such as defensive end Joey Bosa and cornerback Casey Hayward to stifle the Steelers’ young QB. EDGE:Chargers

SPECIAL TEAMS

Chargers cornerback Desmond King recorded his second career punt return touchdown last week. His first one came against the Steelers last season, a touchdown that ignited the Chargers’ road comeback win. Kicker Chase McLaughlin will likely be the starter after Michael Badgley missed another week of practice because of a groin injury. McLaughlin went two of three on field-goal attempts in his Chargers debut last week. Kicker Chris Boswell is a perfect 10 of 10 on field goals during his fifth season with the Steelers. EDGE:Chargers

COACHING

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was asked about rumors of him being a candidate for the coaching vacancy with the Washington Redskins. He responded by saying he has a lot to worry about with a 1-4 team going on the road with a third-string quarterback (Hodges) to face a Hall of Fame quarterback (Rivers). He didn’t quite slam the doors on the rumors, and that could be a distraction for the Steelers. Lynn said he was outcoached against the Broncos. The Chargers’ coaching staff took heat for the way they managed running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler in Week 5. EDGE:Chargers

INTANGIBLES

The Chargers’ home stadium was covered in orange last week and that led to loud “Defense!” chants while Rivers and the offense were on the field. Expect to see plenty of black and yellow at Dignity Health Sports Park. The home-field vibes should give the Steelers an advantage. It’s also Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster’s first professional game in the Los Angeles area. The Long Beach native played at Long Beach Poly and USC. EDGE: Steelers

Rivers will have to be privy of Fitzpatrick, who has made an instant impact for the Steelers since being traded by the Miami Dolphins last month. Rivers has thrown two interceptions in the red zone this season. Fitzpatrick will be looking to force Rivers into more turnovers. The second-year free safety has quickly developed chemistry with Edmunds. But Rivers will likely be on his A-game after a poor performance against the Broncos. He’ll make the Steelers’ young safeties pay if they’re only looking for takeaways and going away from the defensive scheme.

PREDICTION

Chargers 24, Steelers 20

I’ve picked the Chargers to win every game so far this season, and that hasn’t worked out for me, and not because of all the injuries. The Chargers have had mental blunders and poor execution against teams they should’ve beaten like the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. But the trend will continue (Sorry, Chargers fans). I’m going with the Chargers against a third-string quarterback at home. The Steelers are well coached and will have many fans in Carson, but expect the Chargers to pull this one out for Pouncey before the schedule gets tougher.

Gilbert Manzano grew up reading the Pasadena Star-News, and now he’s the Chargers beat writer for the Southern California News Group. Manzano moved back to Pasadena after working three years for the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a Raiders and boxing reporter. The Cal State Northridge graduate spent two seasons as a breaking news editor for NFL.com. The Spanish-speaking lefty likes to go on runs with his dog, Cam.

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